System and method for providing individualized virtual reality for an amusement attraction

ABSTRACT

A system for providing virtual reality imagery to a rider of an amusement attraction, the system having a headgear piece for securing a viewing screen to a head of the rider. The rider rides upon an actuated motion base that moves the viewing screen behind the user until a lap bar is secured over the user&#39;s lap.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to virtual reality amusementattractions, and more specifically to a system and method for providingindividualized virtual reality to amusement park guests comprising aguest worn headset.

2. Description of Related Art

Various amusement attractions have been developed using Virtual Reality(VR) technology allowing patrons to view and interact with a virtualenvironment. Typical systems in existence are comprised of a VR headgearsystem and a motion base. Typical VR headgear uses a screen permanentlyhoused within an enclosure worn by a guest. The enclosure typicallyincludes soft materials that are difficult to properly sanitize. Theenclosure is affixed to the head of the patron by means of an elasticheadband or similar measure. This conventional system of attaching theheadgear to the patron is functional, however, it is difficult and timeconsuming to properly clean and sanitize the headgear after one patronhas completed the attraction experience and prior to the next patronbeginning the attraction experience. This difficulty leads to a decreasein throughput of the attraction. A potential solution to increasethroughput is for the park operator to purchase an additional entire setof VR headgear devices. This potential solution leads to increased CostPer User and overall Cost Of Operation.

Traditional VR amusement attractions feature cumbersome headsets thatare fitted while the user is in the ride. Unfortunately the cost ofoperation is higher with traditional head mounted VR systems because ofthe down time to the ride from cleaning the headsets and from the timeto attach the headsets to the users's heads. While there are manysystems for virtual reality headsets well known in the art, considerableroom for improvement remains.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of thepresent application are set forth in the appended claims. However, theembodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and furtherobjectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by referenceto the following detailed description when read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a virtual reality headgear device for anamusement attraction illustrated according to the present application;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a virtual reality headgear device for anamusement attraction illustrated according to the present application;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a virtual reality headgear device for anamusement attraction illustrated according to the present application;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a virtual reality headgear device for anamusement attraction illustrated according to the present application;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a virtual reality headgear device for anamusement attraction illustrated according to the present application;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a viewing screen for a virtual realityheadgear device of an amusement attraction illustrated according to thepresent application;

FIG. 7 is a front view of a viewing screen for a virtual realityheadgear device of an amusement attraction illustrated according to thepresent application:

FIG. 8 is a back view of a viewing screen for a virtual reality headgeardevice of an amusement attraction illustrated according to the presentapplication;

FIG. 9 is a top view of a viewing screen for a virtual reality headgeardevice of an amusement attraction illustrated according to the presentapplication:

FIG. 10 is a side view of a viewing screen for a virtual realityheadgear device of an amusement attraction illustrated according to thepresent application;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a headgear piece for a virtual realityheadgear device of an amusement attraction illustrated according to thepresent application;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a headgear piece for a virtual realityheadgear device of an amusement attraction illustrated according to thepresent application;

FIG. 13 is a front view of a headgear piece for a virtual realityheadgear device of an amusement attraction illustrated according to thepresent application;

FIG. 14 is a side view of a headgear piece for a virtual realityheadgear device of an amusement attraction illustrated according to thepresent application;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative headgear piece for avirtual reality headgear device of an amusement attraction illustratedaccording to the present application;

FIG. 16 is a top view of an alternative headgear piece for a virtualreality headgear device of an amusement attraction illustrated accordingto the present application;

FIG. 17 is a top view of an alternative headgear piece for a virtualreality headgear device of an amusement attraction illustrated accordingto the present application;

FIG. 18A is a top view of a motion base for a virtual reality amusementattraction illustrated according to the present application;

FIG. 18B is a perspective view of a motion base for a virtual realityamusement attraction illustrated according to the present application;

FIG. 18C is a front view of a motion base for a virtual realityamusement attraction illustrated according to the present application;

FIG. 18D is a left side view of a motion base for a virtual realityamusement attraction illustrated according to the present application;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a virtual reality amusement attractionwith a motion base and head mounted display in an open positionillustrated according to the present application; and

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a virtual reality amusement attractionwith a motion base and head mounted display in a closed positionillustrated according to the present application.

While the assembly of the present application is susceptible to variousmodifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof havebeen shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described indetail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein ofspecific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to theparticular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention isto cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the present application as defined by theappended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Illustrative embodiments of the system and method for providingindividualized virtual reality for an amusement attraction are providedbelow. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of anyactual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will bemade to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance withassembly-related and business-related constraints, which will vary fromone implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated thatsuch a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but wouldnevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in theart having the benefit of this disclosure.

The improved decoupleable head mounted display increases the theoreticalhourly capacity of an amusement park ride featuring virtual realityprovided individually to riders by reducing the time to sanitize theheadgear. The time for cleaning and sanitizing head mounted displays canbe reduced by configuring the system to allow the display to beremovable. Once the display, with sensitive components, has been removedfrom the headgear, cleaning of the headgear piece can be completed,remotely away from the ride, with processes and chemicals not possibleif the electronic viewing portion was still attached. Additionally, thecost of the headgear piece is mirror as compared to the display.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5 in the drawings, views of an improved headmounted display illustrated according to the present application. Headmounted display 101 is comprised of a viewing screen 105 coupled to aheadgear piece 109. Viewing screen 105 is preferably coupled to theheadgear piece 109 by magnets. Viewing screen 105 is alternativelycoupled to the headgear piece 109 by mechanical fasteners. The physicalconnection between the viewing screen 105 and the headgear piece 109 issufficiently strong enough to secure the viewing screen to the headgearpiece 109 while the user is wearing the head mounted display 101 whilebeing moved by an articulated motion base.

Viewing screen 105 is tethered back to a point external to the headgearpiece typically a rigid part of the virtual reality amusement attractionlocated on the articulated motion base. Tether 113 is comprised ofelectrical wiring and a security cable. Tether 113 retains the viewingscreen such that the user cannot remove the viewing screen from theride. Tether 113 also provides power and data communications from acontroller to the viewing screen 105. Controller or virtual realitycontroller provides data to the viewing screen such that the user cansee a virtual reality environment. Alternatively the tether 113 merelyretains the viewing screen 105 to a stationary mounting location such asthe amusement attraction, a vehicle, or a motion base and power and datato the viewing screen is provided separately. Tether 113 can support theviewing screen in a hanging position without additional support. In theembodiment where the tether does not provide power and data, the poweris supplied by rechargeable batteries located in the viewing screen anddata is supplied wirelessly. Furthermore, headgear piece 109 maycomprise batteries to power the viewing screen 105.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-10 in the drawings, views of a display portionof an improved head mounted display illustrated according to the presentapplication. Viewing screen 105 or viewing system is comprised of a mainportion 127, a closeout portion 129, and at least one screen 131 fordisplaying images to a user. Preferably viewing screen 105 includes afirst screen and a second screen. In the preferred embodiment, each ofthe first and the second screens displays a different image in order toprovide the user a stereoscopic view and appear as a three dimensionalimage. An alternative embodiment includes displaying the same image onboth the first and the second screens for a two-dimensional imagepresentation to the user. Viewing screens 105 are raised from a flatback surface of the main portion 127. Surrounding the viewing screens105 is the closeout portion 129. Closeout portion 129 forms a ridge likestructure around the viewing screens. When closeout portion 129 iscoupled to the headgear piece external light is minimized by thecloseout portion.

Closeout portion 129 comprises a system of couplers 133 configured tocouple the viewing screen 105 to the headgear piece. Preferably couplers133 are high strength magnets to removably affix and align the viewingscreen to the headgear piece. Magnets are located in pairs around an aftedge of the closeout portion. By locating the magnets around the edge inpairs a strong physical connection between the viewing screen and theheadgear piece is created.

Alternatively to the magnets or in addition to the magnets aremechanical fasteners configured to removeably affix and align the viewscreen 105 to the headgear piece. For example, the viewing screen 105comprises grooves configured to retain ridges on the headgear piece.

Viewing screen further comprises a head tracking system comprising aplurality of tracking sensors 135 distributed across a forward surfaceof the main portion 127 of the viewing screen 105, various electricaland mechanical ports 137 to couple the tether to, a first camera 139,and a second camera 141. Tracking sensors are recessed into the forwardsurface and edges of the main portion 127. Recessing the sensors enablesthe controller to determine the gaze of the user as some of the trackingsensors 135 will be occluded based upon the position of the viewingscreen. While the sensors are shown recessed, alternative embodimentsutilize sensors that are not recessed. Some alternative sensors areflush and some protrude from the forward surface of the viewing screen.A light source located proximally to the viewing screen is fixedrelative to the motion of the ride and to the motion of the head mounteddisplay preferably in front of the user. The controller knowing thelocation of the light source can measure positional information bydetermining which tracking sensors 135 are seeing the light source andwhich sensors are not seeing the light source. Tracking sensors 135 arepreferably light sensitive sensors capable of providing feedback to thecontroller regarding position, velocity, and acceleration of the headsetwhile worn by a user. Tracking sensors work by measuring light emittedby fixed light emitters located adjacently the motion platform.Additional sensors located in the viewing screen, such as accelerometersand gyroscopes, can provide positional data to the controller inaddition to or in replacement of the light trackers.

As many patrons will be in the same area during the ride a plurality ofhead mounted displays will be utilized concurrently, the system must beable to individually track the head of each patron independently.Mounting the detectors on the headsets reduces the controller's workloadin determining the position of each headset. However, otherconfigurations are contemplated by this application. For example, thelight detectors can be located at a fixed point adjacent the ride andthe light emitters located on the head mounted displays. While opticaltracking, with both active and passive markers, of the head mounteddisplay is preferred, additionally and or alternatively inertialtracking is utilized by the system to track the user's head during theride.

The various electrical and mechanical ports 137 are typically comprisedof universal serial bus ports, high definition multimedia interfacesreceptacles, mechanical studs, direct current receptacles, and orthreaded fasteners. The various electrical and mechanical ports 137 areconfigured to enable power and data to be delivered and transmitted fromthe head mounted display and the controller. Additionally the headmounted display can be tethered to a surface to reduce theft and loss.While the ports are preferably located on the top of the head mounteddisplay it should be apparent that other locations on the head mounteddisplay are contemplated.

First camera 139 and second camera 141 provide the controller and the atleast one screen 131 with data and imagery from around the user forintegration into the virtual reality experience. For example, a ridercould view scenery on the at least one screen 131 with a virtual imageoverlaid to create an augmented reality. Additionally, the first camera139 and the second camera 141 can provide object tracking data to thecontroller. For example, as a user raises their hands in front of theirhead the cameras in conjunction with the controller can determine theposition of the user's hands, wrists, and arms. This increases thereality of the amusement attraction as the user's own movements areintegrated into the experience without the need for sensors located onthe user's hands, wrists, or arms. Furthermore, speakers can be locatedon the head mounted display to provide individualized auditoryinformation to the riders.

In order to aid the user in breaking the bond between the viewing screenand the headgear piece a release 143 is located on the viewing screen.Release 143, when depressed by a user, forces the viewing screen awayfrom the headgear piece. Release 143 is comprised of a button and rodthat translates. Depressing the button pushed the rod which thenseparates the viewing screen from the headgear piece. Once a magneticplane has been broken the user can easily pull the viewing screen awayfrom the headgear piece. Alternatively, the release may be remotelycontrolled by the ride controller so at the end of the ride the screenis popped off the headgear piece with an actuator and pulled up by thetether to be used by the next rider.

Referring now to FIGS. 11-14 in the drawings, views of a mountingportion of an improved head mounted display illustrated according to thepresent application. Headgear piece 109 is comprised of masking member151 and strapping system 155. Masking member 151 is comprised of aviewing screen interface member 157, a closeout member 159, and couplers161. Viewing screen interface member 157 is configured to couple theheadgear piece 109 to the viewing screen 105. Viewing screen interfacemember 157 uses bifurcated openings 163 to couple to the strappingsystem 155. Closeout member 159 is configured to be in direct contactwith the users face around their eyes and is padded. Closeout member 159typically features a plurality of openings to allow for air to circulatefrom inside the closeout member. Headgear piece 109 is preferablyfabricated from plastic capable of being washed at a high temperature ina commercial grade dishwasher repeatedly without degrading.

Preferably couplers 161 are high strength magnets to removably affix andalign the viewing screen to the headgear piece. Magnets are located inpairs around a forward edge of the viewing screen interface member 151.By locating the magnets around the edge in pairs a strong physicalconnection between the viewing screen and the headgear piece isobtained. Couplers 161 are located and magnetized to couple to couplers133. For example, the magnets on the viewing screen have a first poleand the magnets on the headgear piece have a second pole not equal tothe pole of the viewing screen so the two halves of the head mounteddisplay are rigidly held together. Alternatively to the magnets or inaddition to the magnets are mechanical fasteners configured toremoveably affix and align the view screen 105 to the headgear piece.

Strapping system 155 is comprised of first strap 171 and a second strap173. First strap 171 is affixed to the second strap 173 typically bysewing to form the strapping system 155 having three ends. The threeends of the strapping system are wrapped through the bifurcated openings163 of the viewing screen interface member 151 and secure back to thestrapping system with the use of a hook and loop attachment. A length ofthe first strap 171 and a length of the second strap 173 can be adjustedby the user by adjusting the amount of strap through the bifurcatedopening and securing the hook and loop attachments.

Referring now to FIGS. 15-17 in the drawings, views of an alternativemounting portion of an improved head mounted display illustratedaccording to the present application. Alternative strapping system 201is comprised of a first horizontal member 205, a second horizontalmember 207, a vertical member 209 coupled between the first horizontalmember and the second horizontal member, and an adjustment member 211.Adjustment member 211 is comprised of a knob coupled to a ratchetinggear for moving the first horizontal member 205 relative to the secondhorizontal member 207. The movement allows a user to place the headmounted display with the alternative strapping system 201 onto theirhead and tighten the strapping system until the display is sufficientlysnug to prevent the head mounted display moving relative to the user'shead. Once the ride is complete and the user wished to remove the headmounted display tension in the adjustment member 211 is released and theunit can be pulled from the user's head. Alternative strapping system201 is preferably fabricated from plastic capable of being washed in acommercial grade dishwasher repeatedly without degrading.

Amusement park attractions featuring head mounted display with removablescreens allow for operators to provide individualized virtual realityenvironments to each and every rider. Each rider can have a uniquevirtual experience as they look around in the virtual environment andare moved corresponding with the virtual environment. The ride comprisesa motion base, a tethered head mounted display, a lap bar, displayhanger, and a control input. The motion base typically comprises a chairmounted to a plurality of linear actuators for moving the chair in thevirtual environment. The display hanger is rotationally attached to themotion base and moves the tethered head mounted display towards and awayfrom the user as needed. The lap bar is rotationally attached to themotion base and prevents riders from leaving the attraction until theride is over. Additionally, the lap bar is geared to the display hangersuch that when the lap bar is located in the user's lap an end of thedisplay hanger is directly over their head. Alternatively, when the lapbar is over their head, the end of the display hanger is located behindthe user's head. Control input is a joystick to allow the user to movethe motion base and therefor themselves in the virtual environment.Alternatively a front facing camera located on the tethered head mounteddisplay can track the user's hands to provide input into the virtualenvironment. For example, the user can steer a virtual steering wheel byplacing their hands in front of them and rotating them around thevirtual steering wheel.

Referring now also to FIGS. 18A-18D in the drawings, views of a virtualreality compatible motion base 301. Motion base 301 is comprised of abase 303, a chair 305 support by the base 303, an input system 307, arestraint system 309, a VR support system 311, and a plurality ofactuators 315. The input system 307 is comprised of a motion sensingjoystick configured to allow a user to provide input into the virtualreality environment. It should be apparent that chair 305 can be awheelchair or motorized scooter strapped to a flattened base.

In addition to the joystick or in place of the joystick a controller cantrack the motion of the user's fingers, hands, wrists, forearms, elbows,and or shoulders to provide input into the virtual reality amusementride. The controller utilizes a front facing camera, such as camera 139,located on a worn virtual reality headset to track the user's appendagesor a camera located adjacent the motion base. The ability to trackuser's appendages by the system allows for each rider to participate andinteract with the virtual reality environment as they ride along. Forexample, as a user waves their own hands to a virtual partner, thesystem moves a pair of virtual hands in the virtual environment.

The plurality of actuators 315 preferably is comprised of a firstactuator, a second actuator, and a third actuator. While linearactuators are illustrated, it should be apparent that the motion baseactuators could have other mechanical outputs such as rotary actuatorsand oscillatory actuators. The actuators are spaced apart in a tripodconfiguration wherein the first actuator is located near a front of themotion base, and the second and third actuators are located near a rearof the motion base The plurality of actuators are configured to move theride in response to the controller and in response to the input system307. For example, the controller moves the motion base as if the riderwas on a boat riding down a series of rapids, the user can select whichfork of the river to rider down by moving the input system.

Restraint system 309 is comprised of a lap bar rigidly attached to a Cshaped member. VR support system 311 is comprised of an extended memberconfigured to support a virtual reality headset over the user. VRsupport system 311 further comprises a retraction system to adjust alength of the tether to the display. Both the restraint system 309 andthe VR support system 311 pivot about the user. Restraint system 309 isrotationally coupled to the VR support system 311 by a gearing systemlocated in the base. Gearing system preferably has a 2:1 gearing ratiohowever other ratios are contemplated by this application. The gearingsystem is geared such that the VR support system rotationally moves halfas much as the restraint system. This gearing system allows therestraint system to pivot up and out of the way of the user while movingthe VR headset back and away from the user. This allows the user to getinto and out of the chair 305 easily and quickly. Certain types ofvirtual reality embodiments are improved with more realistic restraintsystems. The lap bar as illustrated increases throughput of theattraction however other restraint systems are contemplated by thisapplication. For example, restraint system may comprise a five pointharness for a system configured as a flight simulator, wherein a portionof the harness is coupled to the gearing system such that securing theharness moves the VR support system closer to the user. Alternatively,the five point harness does not adjust the location of the VR supportsystem. Other types of restraints are contemplated by this applicationsuch as seatbelts, over the shoulder restraints, locking lap bars, tbars.

While the VR support system is illustrated as being directly attached tothe motion base, it should be apparent that the VR support systemalternatively is located remotely to the motion base. For example, theVR support system can be mounted to a wall or ceiling located near themotion base. In this embodiment the display is tethered to structure toprevent removal and provide data and power to the display. In someembodiments the display further comprises a retraction system to movethe display close to and away from the user. For example, the hanger islocated above the motion base and the system drops the tethered displaydown near the user's lap. Alternatively, the display is suspended nearthe user's head, or rests in a basket, until coupled to the headgearpiece.

Referring now also to FIGS. 19 & 20 in the drawings, views of a virtualreality compatible motion base 301. FIG. 19 illustrates an open orsubsequent position of the motion base. Open position is configured forallowing a user 321 to enter and exit the chair. The user is entirelysupported by the base as the user sits in the chair 305 and places theirfeet on the footrests. User is wearing a headgear piece 325, similar toheadgear piece 109, around their face and head. User straddles the inputsystem 307. In the open position the VR support system locates a viewingscreen 327, similar to viewing screen 105, over and behind the user'shead. Viewing screen 327 is tethered to and retained by VR supportsystem 311. Also in the open position the restraint system 309 islocated above the user's head. As a user pulls down on the restraintsystem the VR support system rotates down and locates the viewing screenin front of the user's face. The user grabs the viewing screen andcouples the viewing screen to the headgear piece to form a VR headset.The system is configured such that the end of the hanger moves from infront of and above the user in an initial position to above and behindthe initial position in a subsequent position. The system moves thehanging display from a location proximate the user's head to a locationfurther away. Moving the display between locations or positions provideseasy access to the motion base without users hitting their heads anddamaging the displays. While the proximate location illustrated is infront of the user's head it should be apparent that the proximatelocation may be on the side of the user's head or just above the user'shead. The non-proximate location is any location where the user canenter the motion base freely without interference from the display.

FIG. 20 illustrates the closed or initial position of the motion base.The restraint system 309 is locked in the user's lap and prevents theuser from exiting the ride. Furthermore, the viewing screen as tetheredby the VR support system is located in a position in front of the user'sface so that the viewing screen can be coupled to the headgear piece.Once the ride is over the process is reversed. The viewing screen isdecoupled by the user. Next the restraint system is released by anoperator. The user then pulls up on the restraint system and the VRsupport system pivots behind the user. Once the user exits the ride theycan recycle the headgear piece to be washed and reused.

While the system described above is configured for an amusementattraction, it should be apparent that the system alternatively can beconfigured for a gaming system and or a flight simulator. Both militaryand civilian use of the system provides virtual reality providers withquicker turnaround and higher usage of the equipment than conventionalvirtual reality systems. Additionally, the system comprising a two piecevirtual reality headset and motion base is configurable for locationswhere groups of users are exposed to virtual reality environments, suchas in Amusement Parks, Theme Parks, Carnivals, Exhibitions, Tours,Traveling Exhibitions, Orientation Centers, State Fairs, County Fairs,Local Fairs, Church Fairs, Museums, FEC's, Driving Simulators, andFlying Simulators.

The system provides operators of virtual reality amusement parkattractions with quicker throughput. Users are issued headgear piecewhile they are waiting to board the motion bases. Users are able toadjust the fit and position of the headgear pieces before they board themotion bases. Viewing screens require less cleaning as they are not indirect contact with the user.

It is apparent that an assembly and method with significant advantageshas been described and illustrated. The particular embodiments disclosedabove are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified andpracticed in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilledin the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is thereforeevident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be alteredor modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope andspirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein isas set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments areshown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but areamenable to various changes and modifications without departing from thespirit thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A virtual reality system for an amusement attraction, comprising: a motion base configured for moving a user corresponding with a virtual reality environment; a restraint system configured for securing the user; a virtual reality display having; a display; a headgear piece worn by a user; and a interface located between the display and the headgear piece to affix the display to the headgear piece; and a hanging system configured for securing the virtual reality display to the motion base; wherein the virtual reality display is configured for displaying to the user the virtual reality environment; wherein the display is removeably attached to the headgear piece; wherein the hanging system is configured to move the virtual reality display from a first position to a second position.
 2. The virtual reality system for an amusement attraction according to claim 1 wherein the first position is over a head of the user; and wherein the second position is behind the head of the user.
 3. The virtual reality system for an amusement attraction according to claim 1 wherein the display is magnetically coupled to the headgear piece.
 4. The virtual reality system for an amusement attraction according to claim 1 wherein the display is mechanically coupled to the headgear piece. 